5 great 2nd jobs for extra cash

Organized, detail-oriented people with strong computer and communication skills are often perfect candidates for virtual assistant positions. Over the course of their work, they may make hotel reservations, set up appointments and meetings, type letters, and buy supplies.

While a typical administrative assistant may do this from an office setting, a virtual assistant gets to work on projects from home. Even outside of normal business hours, virtual assistants can do tasks that aren't time-sensitive, including Internet research, data entry, accounting and invoicing. Many employers don't require any special training beyond a high school diploma, but if you're working virtually, you'll have to be adept with a computer.

Indeed, the best opportunities will be for those who are especially tech-savvy. Best yet, you can set your own hours and rates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that top virtual assistants command up to $100 per hour, although $25 per hour is a more typical starting point.

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